tocha

Not that many actually. As you say he misses the visit to Somerset but after that I can see only the match at Plymouth in August that clashes and chances are the EL fixture list will have changed by then anyway.

The statement regarding the Ed Kennett situation:- http://www.lakesidehammers.co/edward-kennett-statement/

Glad to see you're still quick on your feet. Now, can you pass on a few tips onto Kasper?

I am sure Shads has had enough bites to last a lifetime. He is a postman!

Very puzzling as prior to the early hours of this morning I cannot remember the last time it rained in this part of the country so it is not as if there could have been much standing water. Last 24 hours records this: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/observation/u12b4ht3f

Lakeside have three BH away meetings that clash, two at Coventry and one at Wolverhampton. However, as the Rye House meetings are a 2pm start, Ed should be able to do both.

The ruling hasn't changed but Len has entered into an agreement with JC at Lakeside whereby, when there are fixture clashes, whichever club is riding at home will have priority. This is subject to BSPA approval the decision for which was due today. Sounds like a gentleman's agreement to me and Len probably feels a bit awkward about it bearing in mind when the respective signings were made and fixture lists issued Ed was still a Coventry asset and, had he remained so, Lakeside would have had priority. I should like to hope, had the the situation been the former, JC would have reciprocated.

Many Ipswich supporters who went to the Morten Risager Testimonial, the equivalent Saturday last year, will recall how cold it was. Wrap up warm because it could be similar tonight, 6c feeling like 1 to 2 in a brisk north east wind blowing directly into the main stand.

You, also, will feel very encouraged by the performance of Richard this afternoon at Peterborough. We certainly did at in the other end of the country in Purfleet (Lakeside). BTW Nick McMorris will have no trouble in crossing Hadrian's Wall.

It is always very difficult to predict what lies in store for a rider showing early promise. I first watched Rob doing a series of 4 laps outings at Rye House when he was 14. These were timed and at one meeting were faster than some recorded in the main match. Then, on the other hand, Steve Boxall was equally impressive at a similar age and, look at David Howe as a youngster riding for Peterborough. It isn't just natural ability but a determination to succeed, and proof following the career of one Ivan Mauger, a rider having not that much natural talent but an iron hardness to be the best. The same could be said of Ove Fundin. So, how will Robert do? He has a great family support around him and appears very mature - an interview at Rye House at the age of 14 verifies this. Personally, I think he could go the whole way.

Absolutely. Then, Lakeside 20th and Rye 21st. Just hang in there.

Sorry, did this from memory without checking. This is what happens when you are an OAP!

The team selection has to be based on a minimum of a 34 point average this season to ensure the farce that was Scunthorpe last year is not repeated.

Thanks for your comments, Oafski and West Ham Boy. I would have rejoined the debate myself but derive little satisfaction when jousting against a half wit.

Perhaps you should have read this before making your comment: http://www.ryehouserockets.co/news.php?extend.886.1

When I last looked Russia wasn't in the EU.

It could be a very good by dusting away the negatives of 2015. Bunny was dis-interested in 2014 for whatever reason and Garrity might even have been a disruptive influence in the pits' area. I like the look of this side. It always helps if you have overseas riders from the same country especially when one has been there before. Anders knows the ropes, both he and Robin will travel together, and will be brought up to speed straight away as will Kasper with Nicolaj. Then you have three Brits, all dyed-in- the wool Rye men. Seems a perfect combination to me. The only downside, and this could turn out to be quite minor, is that both Swedes ride in the Alvensken League so might miss matches when Rye are away at Thursday clubs. However, The Swedish season doesn't start until May so the LC at Ipswich is OK as is the away PL fixture at Redcar so this just leaves PL fixtures away to Ipswich and Sheffield. After this it will depend upon play-offs in both countries plus KO cup rounds should they fall on a Thusday.

I don't know the rule on fast track riders because, as far as I am aware, this hasn't been put to the test yet but, is it permissible to have a fast track rider without a PL or NL team place?

Brendan Johnson is without a team place now having been dropped by Eastbourne.

Could have been lost in translation. Tuesday is Tisdag, Thursday, Torsdag.

I hope he's right but I don't think he is. The Alvensken League ride Thursdays. Maybe the old boy hasn't realised Vastervik were relegated from the Elitserien last year.

Whilst this line-up couldn't be any worse than in 2014 it should be considerably better. To start with, all but Luke and Steve will be getting racing elsewhere, something you observed at a time when only Jason G had another club. Also riding in the EL again ought to help Edward to be even more competitive. The only downside I see is rider availability. Robin is in the Vastervik side (Alvensken League) which may be an issue when visiting Thursday teams, Ipswich, Sheffield and Redcar. If the regs continue as 2014 then Rye will have first call on Edward. However, there have been whispers on the BSF that these have been amended inasmuch priority is granted to the club which is in the same league as the parent team, in this case EL Coventry. 2015 regs are unavailable online but I guess we shall find out later rather than sooner!

Still, you do have the Saints tonight.

Jason Bunyan qualifies. It looks unlikely that he will get a PL place in 2015 whilst Oliver Greenwood hasn't signed in the NL. Will it be Saturday, though. That would make total of 21 home fixtures in all (PL and NL) and that doesn't include LC,, KOC, NT. etc. or even play-offs.